Let’s face it: these days technology is everywhere, driving to and from school, a television constantly making background noise in a house all day or simply the latest iPhone in your back pocket. Electronics are there and this is just how the world works.
It might seem like people are glued to their screens nowadays, but who is to say that is a bad thing? The modern view of technology has become more and more negative over the years, and I say we look on the bright side of things (and I don’t just mean the screen).
Electronics and social media create a way of quick connection that society craves so much, which I say is a good thing. I know for a fact that if I have a split second of free time, I will pull my phone out and check a social media site whether it be Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram…you name it. It is a common habit that most teenagers and adults nowadays cannot control. Waiting in a line: check your phone. A few extra minutes before bed: check your phone. A notification pops up on the screen: check your phone. A cell phone is a way to connect with others and keep up to date, so I do not feel guilty about my habits.
For example, my family totally remodeled our kitchen with new appliances, countertops and cabinets this February and my mother posted pictures of the finished job on a commonly used social media site, Facebook. Our family has gotten a lot of positive feedback from all sorts of people from, distant relatives who live far away to our neighbors down the street. Having quick interaction with everyone we know puts a smile on all of our faces.
We have technologies such as smartphones, social media and the World Wide Web accessible at our fingertips. According to the Pew Research Center, 90 percent of Americans alone own some sort of cell phone. This means data and information is being bounced back and forth between people constantly. I find that fascinating.
A person can simply type into a search engine on their phone, “Which presidential candidate won the state of Arizona?” and get an immediate answer. Arizona is roughly 25 hours away from Noblesville via car and a smartphone can give you an answer to what happened in that state instantly. A hundred years ago, there would be no possible way the news could travel that fast and that direct.
So who’s to say we cannot take advantage of this gift that is advanced technology? I am not saying you should stay up all night on your phone or spend every waking moment watching the latest show on television, but we should not ignore our resources. Technology naturally benefits lives, helping humans keep up with the fast-paced world around them. Let’s use it.